Take Pride in Your Groundhog and MERF

Did you know you are holding a copy of the largest-circulation newspaper in DeKalb County? If you love Mentone and Lookout Mountain, take a little pride in that.

Yes, The Groundhog is only once a month, but some 4,000 copies are printed and distributed for free each month in the Mentone area, including some across the state line into Georgia. No other newspaper in DeKalb County can claim a larger single edition than that.

What I love best is how people clamor to get a copy when the latest edition hits the streets. That’s because the people who live here and those who visit the area love our hometown newspaper. It chronicles so many of the good things going on in our little village and beyond.

In recognition of that, let’s show some love to MERF, the nonprofit organization that now operates The Groundhog.

Not much more than a year ago, The Groundhog was on the verge of collapse, with monthly expenses exceeding revenue. In truth, it was suffering the same demise as many community newspapers across the county.

The leaders of MERF stepped in and took on the difficult task of righting that ship. Those big-hearted and civic-minded people included Kathryn Norris, Marsha Merrell, Tom MacMichael, Kathy McMunn, Craig Sheldon, Karen Vest, and Joel Leonard. There were trying times, but The Groundhog never missed an issue, and it’s now on solid financial ground.

Anna Mae Horn held the reins of MERF as executive director during that time and was a valuable asset. Her successor, Alyce Kenney, continued that commitment. MERF board members who have also embraced the importance of our community newspaper include Adelaide Drennen, Mary Ann Robbins, and Emily West.

I’ll give special kudos to Stephen and Michele Smith. That dynamic couple, both so very talented in the publishing world, made The Groundhog sing. They are ably assisted by the gifted Rebecca Henderson. The Groundhog is a really fine newspaper, one that would win many Alabama Press Association awards if entered.

Keep in mind MERF’s important role in this community. For more than 30 years, MERF has impacted all ages in the area through its mission “to enrich the living and learning of the community by identifying needs and coordinating resources.”

Foremost, MERF funds an art teacher at Valley Head School. Caroline Moore teaches art to K-6 students there. She does more than provide art instruction — her most important mission is inspiring young people to embrace art in so many ways. Those children will be better in every way because of their exposure to art and the inspiration Caroline provides.

Kudos to The Groundhog and those who have made it thrive.

Now, turn back to the front page and reread the story about the upcoming Taste of the Mountain. That’s a really great event, with proceeds benefiting MERF and all they do. The auction is MERF’s major fundraising event, and your town is better because of what MERF does. Get your tickets and join us for a great evening on April 12.